Description Small bat with somewhat dull, wooly pelage. Usually dull gray to gray-brown, but some individuals are a bright orange-brown. Fur on underside is dark brown to black at the base, with contrasting white at tip. No prominent keel on calcar. Toes have long hairs extending beyond tips of claws.

Dimensions 77-89mm, 26-44mm, 5-7g; / 80-97mm, 29-42mm, 5-8g

Warning Bats are susceptible to rabies, a serious viral disease that results in death if untreated. Rabid bats rarely attack humans or other animals, but bats found lying on the ground may be rabid. Never touch or pick up any bat. Stay away from any animal that seems to be acting strangely and report it to animal-control officers. If you are bitten by a possibly rabid animal, you must immediately consult a doctor for a series of injections; there is no cure once symptoms emerge.

Similar Species Differs from Northern Myotis by having smaller ears, and from Little Brown Myotis in lacking the glossy pelage of that species. Forearm 33-42mm.

Habitat Canyons & caves

Range Great Lakes, Southeast, Florida

Discussion Prefers caves near water, or even those that contain water. Can be seen foraging near the surface of the water on summer evenings. Occurs in both coniferous and deciduous forests of the southeastern U.S.